NEWS
College creeps towards SHS seniors HANNAH LOFTSPRING
CAROLINE BRUNS
spotlight chief
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172032@sycamoreschools.org
175060@sycamoreschools.org
T
he months of August to November are notoriously the most stressful for any twelfth grade student who intends to go to college, or get accepted into a two year program. These months entail a multitude of deadlines that can be hard to keep track of, especially when juggling both school and the pressures of applying for a higher-level education. The best way to keep track of these things is to get organized, or at least have an idea of what you must achieve before time slips from your hands.
Summer The perfect time to get started on college applications is the summer. It allows you to periodically work on essays and brainstorm. It is also the best time to get college visits completed, especially if you are looking at out of state schools. Visiting in the summer allows the student to see the campus and explore without missing school. It is good to visit different sized schools in different areas. It will help you get a feel for what you like and dislike in a college. Once you have narrowed down some requirements for the school of your dreams, it will be much easier to find a perfect match. Once back in school, begin thinking about what teachers know you well; they can write letters of recommendation for you. These letters
Who is your parent when filling out the FAFSA?
are needed in most applications. Asking teachers well in advance shows that you are responsible, and also gives teachers plenty of time to formulate their essay and perfect it before you send out your application.
Fall It is time to apply! Talk to your counselor if there is any confusion or if you wish to apply for college sports recruitment. Also, contact him or her if you are beginning to stress out; they know what they are doing and can help you sort out your problems. Now is the time to narrow down your choices to the top few schools you wish to attend. This is a crucial part of the process; having too many applications adds stress and a large workload. Less choices correlates with less confusion and uncertainty when choosing from a group. Once you have created an account on the Common Application website and link it to your school Naviance account, the process becomes much easier. Letters of recommendation are uploaded and sent via Naviance. Transcripts can be requested this way. Some schools are not on the Common Apllication. These schools will have an alternate application link on their websites. If you are not pleased with your standardized test score, the fall is the last time to possibly change it. Take
Are your parents married to each other?
No
The following are not your parents unless they have legally adopted you: Yes -Step Parent Report information -Grandparent for both parents on the -Foster Parent FAFSA. -Legal Gaurdian FASFA -Older brother or sister -Aunts or Uncles
Yes Report information for both parents on the FAFSA. FAFSA
#|THE LEAF|OCTOBER 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
Winter If your applications are not already in, this would be the time to finish up and perfect the last few details before submitting. Many schools will send out results of your application by late December to early January if you have applied by November first. Other than the possibility of acceptance lingering around students, these is not much college action. Winter is a break from all things college, unless you are interested in writing an essay or completing a prompted question to compete in earning scholarship money for yourself.
Spring You have received your letters of acceptance or denial, and it is time to commit to a school. Once committed, you must send in a deposit. This solidifies your agreement. College applications can be very intimidating, but remaining responsible and connected be the biggest help.
Did you live with one parent more than the other in the past 12 months?
Do your parents live together?
No
that test one last time to see if you can improve. Lastly, the FAFSA comes out October 1. This is a form that is prepared annually. by current or prospective students in the US that determines their eligibility for financial aid. Every student must fill this out, and it is wise to get it submitted early. The earlier the submission, the higher possibility of receiving funds.
No
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Report information on the FAFSA for the parent who provided more financial support over the past 12 months or in the last year you recieved support.
Yes Report information for parents you lived with more. FAFSA
Has this parent remarried?
No Yes
You do not need to report additional information. Report information about step parent on FAFSA.
Oh, the places you’ll (apply to) go And how to get there! Brainstorm majors and decide if college is the right path for you
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Research the remaining Search for colleges with colleges on your list and those majors and make knock off some more a list Look at class size, freshmen retention rate, Look for colleges that have many options, or a prestigious program of your interest.
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Talk to your counselor and representatives from the Post Secondary Planning Center
Apply to colleges or for your post secondary plan that may not be college.
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Now that you know which schools you have been accepted to, decide which is right for you.
tuition, student-teacher ratio, scholarship opportunities, co-op opportunities.
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Evaluate your GPA, ACT and SAT scores
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Knock off colleges that are too much of a reach, but still aim high!
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Plan and visit schools
There are certain days set aside for seniors to visit schools. Seniors are also given three excused absences for college visits.
Application, early admission, and scholarship deadlines are all very important to be on time for.
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Talk to your counselor again
Communicate what major or majors you are interested in. Ask questions such as how to naviagte Naviance, how to begin the Common Application, and any other initian questions.
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Consider important factors such as: Which schools are affordable? Do you want to go to a far away or close school? Which school offers the most benefits? Do you have family alumni?
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Begin keeping track of deadlines
Talk to your parent or gaurdian and counselor to make sure you have made Horray! the correct decision- and source commit to a school!
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College